Day 23 - Palaces and Princesses

Today's Monday.. and what did we do last Monday in London.. we made our first tour stop at Hampton Court. But last week we only got to see the gardens so today we hopped on a train at Waterloo and headed out there to do the palace for ourselves. It is a grand affair. We were greeted at the gate by the King's guard, and ushered into the main courtyard. We had just picked up our palace audio guide when the clock struck 11 and two members of the house appeared. The year was 1543 and Henry VIII was going to marry Katherine Parr today. We went on a tour with the master of the King's house and he showed us through the kitchens and up to the banqueting area, apparently auditioning us for jobs in the royal household. It was a real hoot.

At one stage Henry VIII turns up too along with wife to be Katherine. it was so much fun... a lot more fun than an audio headset. After the 1 hour performance we were free to wander the palace. The royal chapel, at which there is a service each Sunday, is very impressive. The king and queen had a gallery where they attended Mass apart from the rest of the household... kind of like going to church in your own personal choir loft! The tapestries that cover the walls are very much like others we have seen in royal houses.. French inspired and very ornate. Then we left the Tudor half of the palace and toured William III extensions, spending some time wandering through Queen Mary's apartments. The palace done, we headed back to Hampton Court station to plot the next part of the day.

As the train passed through Wimbeldon, we decided to alight and to join the District line here as this would take us to High Street Kensington, a walk away from Kensington Palace. It was a bit messy changing trains twice but we got there and then hiked 'til we found the palace in the Kensington gardens. Much of the palace is closed for refurbishing at the moment but the apartments that they have open have been transformed into an interactive fantasy world about the seven princesses who have lived at Kensington Palace. It was a very avaunt gard display which we thoroughly enjoyed. Just so different to the other palaces and castles we have been to. The only disappointment was that the Orangery was closed today due to a private function so we didn't get to see that.

On the way back, Chris suggested that we use our London Pass to take a ride down river on a Thames ferry. As we have done the other rivers in the cities we have stayed in we thought this was a great idea. But when we got to Westminster we took a deviation, firstly wandering by the Houses of Parliament for a good look and then heading over to Westminster Abbey. Unfortunately we were too late to pay for a tour, but we hung around for what turned out to be a fantastic experience. We went to Evensong in the Abbey.

At 4.30 they opened the doors and escorted thos attending Evensong down to the left of the centre altar to a sort of holding pen. We stood here for about 15 minutes where we could literally reach out and touch the tomb of Sir Isaac Newtown and Chalres Darwin was buried just across the way. Total headspin! We were pretty close to the front of the group and so we were seated in the choral area. In fact we sat in the Headmasters Row, immediately below the Canon who led the lessons. We could see the sanctuary where Lizzie II was crowned. Goosebumps! The service lasted for about 45 minute and was accompanied by beautiful organ music and choral singing.It was very prayerful and moving and sitting looking at the High Altar of Westminster Abbey was a once in a lifetime experience. What a great find.

Still undaunted we went down to the river and took our Thames cruise at 6.30 down to the Tower Bridge. This is a terrific way to view the significant landmarks on the Thames: St Paul, Millennium Bridge, Tower Bridge and many others. Grabbing a quick bite of dinner we hopped back on the Circle line this time (yeah it has been down for track work both weekends in London and we haven't been able to ride it). Back at our hotel, very tired feet again, but reflecting on a great day of adventures.